Testimony of Healing December 10, 1910 Issue

Christian Science was first introduced to me seven years...

R. Woolfenden

Christian Science was first introduced to me seven years ago by a maid, who was a member of the church of which I was pastor. I had been traveling in the United States, and on my return told my people, among other things, how I spent my Sundays when in America, and I made some remarks derogatory to faith-healing. These remarks were carried by one who heard them to the maid already mentioned, and the next day she came to see me, desiring to know what I had said against Christian Science. Although I had been in the States three months, this was a new subject to me, and I at once confessed my ignorance, requesting to know what it meant. Then she told me, with great joy, how Christian Science had been the means of healing her niece in Manchester, after the doctors had declared she would be a cripple for life through an injury to the spine. She told also of the change it had made in her sister's home, where everything that was discouraging had yielded to joy, and remarked, "My sister could not be deceived, for she was always a good Christian worker!" Then she asked if I would like to read the book which was responsible for all this new experience. Immediately I consented, for any new book, especially of such a character, was always welcome.

The next night she came to lend me her own copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, through the reading of which, with the aid of a Christian Science practitioner, she had been cured of what is known as "housemaid's knee." This was all the more wonderful, as it was bringing the matter home to a member of my own flock, and was also much nearer than Manchester; for what now happened was at Sandbach in Cheshire. I accordingly read the book, and in a short time had purchased this copy from the maid, who said she knew where to get another. By this time my curiosity was fairly aroused. The subject appealed to me. It seemed to throw a new light on theology, on sociology, on brotherhood, and, best of all, on the teaching and practice of Christ Jesus in reference to the healing of the sick. A case of a dear friend in sickness was engaging my attention, and naturally the thought arose that if Christian Science could do these things, here was a chance of putting it to the test. In this endeavor I was led to pay a visit to Manchester, where I saw for myself what the new movement meant, and now at last I am out of the wood, and know what it is to be free, for, as the Master said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

This is my happy experience following on class instruction, which was to me a perfect revelation and brought with it a new phase of existence. The old ministry has been changed for a new, in which there is an atmosphere of certainty, a tone of confidence, and a feeling of reality which which the old had failed to give. It is in the strength of this conviction that my family and I are settling in Rochdale, my native town, to start in this field of labor. During the past seven years the truth has been put to the test in my own home, and one can never be grateful enough to Almighty God for this message. Truly the prophecy of Joel was fulfilled: "And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

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